He identified two reasons for the low dependence of the public on “traditional media”

Parliamentary report: Increasing trust in “social media news” negatively affects the behavior of young people

The Federal National Council recently adopted a report on the policy of the Ministry of Culture and Youth.

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A recent parliamentary report confirmed the increasing public confidence in the news broadcast by social networks at higher rates than what is broadcast by traditional media, which negatively affects the implantation of national identity, and the choices and behaviors of young people.

The report attributed what it described as “the public’s weak dependence on traditional media” to two reasons, the first is the failure to employ the national official media, which are characterized by credibility in transmitting information within the new media system, and the second is the absence of strategic media programs and initiatives that attract young people, characterized by sobriety and providing information in line with With the general approach of national policy, it is characterized by credibility and speed in covering events.

In detail, a parliamentary report on the policy of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, recently approved by the Federal National Council, confirmed the weak dependence of citizens and residents in the country on traditional Emirati media to obtain news, explaining that despite the high rate of general confidence of society in the Emirati media by 80.5%, and the high level of trust Public trust in the Emirati media (impressionist confidence) reached 94%, according to the study of the "Media Trust Index in the Emirates", which showed that the percentage of the public's dependence on news in times of crises, emergencies and disasters through television channels was 33%, followed by social networking sites (Facebook). Book) by 22%, then paper newspapers by 12%, and radio stations by 4%. However, it was found that the public's dependence on television channels as a source of news and information in normal circumstances recorded only 30%.

The report, which "Emirates Today" obtained a copy of, pointed out that social networking sites, especially "Facebook" and "Twitter", topped the public's adoption rates by 37%, compared to a noticeable decrease in reliance on newspapers, to record 10%, Then electronic news sites by 8%, and finally radio stations by 4%, which reflects the increasing reliance of the public on social networking sites, which are sometimes characterized by low quality and credibility, and broadcast rumors and weak control over their content, but are characterized by the rapid spread of news and interaction with it. from the receiving audience.

The report attributed the public’s weak dependence on traditional media to two main reasons, the first is the failure to employ the national official media that are characterized by credibility in transmitting information within the new media system, by broadcasting their programs on social networking sites and digital platforms and updating news around the clock, and the second is the absence of programs And strategic media initiatives that attract young people, are characterized by sobriety and provide information in line with the general approach of national policy and are characterized by credibility and speed in covering events, stressing that the media outlet is a priority for young people in obtaining news in social networks by 42 percent.4% as the fastest, most effective and free of restrictions compared to other media, while TV channels ranked second with 23%, according to the trust and credibility criterion (according to a report of youth news sources issued by the Emirates Youth Council), which would affect The overall level of trust in the Emirati media, given the diversity of the bodies that broadcast information and news without court supervision, as well as social media broadcasting content that contradicts national values ​​and the Emirati cultural heritage.

The report concluded that the increasing confidence of the public and youth in relying on news through social networks at higher rates than other traditional media, such as television, newspapers and radio, in contrast to the weak legislative role in managing and controlling media content on social media platforms and networks, has negatively affected the choices made. and positive behaviors of young people.

It also has a negative impact on instilling national identity, and thus influencing public opinion as a result of interaction with people who are not specialized in the media.

He stressed the importance of having advanced national digital media platforms for traditional media, keeping pace with other applications and relying on their digital followers through these applications more than they depend on their traditional readers and recipients, in addition to the importance of an independent media institution with reference and incubator for all media in the country (among them Digital Media) is responsible for coordinating and unifying the media message inside and outside the country.

The report moved to what it described as “the weak role of digital media institutions in highlighting the state’s achievements and its soft power, represented in initiatives, events and major events at the international media level,” stressing that the media still focuses on content directed primarily to the local audience, without taking into account the public. The external message and the content that affects it, in addition to the fact that the message sent by most media outlets in the country is “a message of immediate purpose and influence”, as its effect ends with the end of the event, due to two reasons. The important national developments and events that the country and the world are going through, and the second is the absence of an independent national media body concerned with supervising and following-up on the media content of all media and enjoying flexibility and efficiency and being able to keep pace with the speed and flexibility of traditional and new media, especially on digital platforms that contribute toCreating the appropriate and supportive environment for the dissemination of content and promotion of the country's news and initiatives on a large scale, given the multiplicity of stakeholders.

Spreading rumors

The parliamentary report stated that the delay of the official media in providing the community and international public opinion with some major issues, and the lack of information flowing through official media channels regularly and at a rapid pace, may lead to the spread of rumors and confusion of public opinion, as social networking sites are among the most media outlets. In access to news, it accounted for 42%.

It also negatively affects the country's competitiveness and weakens the attraction of individuals, companies, and international institutions.

The report called for activating the media strategy of the UAE to anticipate events and deal with developments in a professional and effective manner, with a commitment to general objectivity and credibility to produce digital media content capable of addressing the outside world, transferring the soft power of the state and influencing trends in international public opinion on some key issues to strengthen international relations and take into account Distribution of tasks and responsibilities between the proposed national media institution and local media institutions, so that these roles are integrated and the state's media messages are unified at home and abroad.

Government responses

The parliamentary report approved by the Federal National Council included government responses from representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Youth to some of the parliamentary observations and conclusions that were monitored, most notably that the ministry will work to support efforts to advance the media sector in the country and provide a positive legislative, regulatory and legal environment that stimulates the success and leadership of the media sector Empowering Emirati society and enhancing its position in terms of media through the spread of satellite channels, radio stations, newspapers and magazines, and other media activities, in addition to media free zones.

Government representatives stated that the Media Regulatory Office is responsible for preparing laws and legislation in coordination with government media institutions in various parts of the country and strategic partners working in the media sector, in order to raise the level of media content and media services provided to the public, and work to highlight the position of the UAE locally, regionally and internationally. .

• Social networks are a priority for young people to get news as the fastest and most effective means.

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